It is estimated that 25.8 million Americans have type II diabetes and that 79 million more are considered “pre-diabetic.” If not properly managed, diabetes can damage many major organs, including the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, eyes, and nerves. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, non-traumatic lower limb amputations, and new-onset blindness among adults in the U.S. Overall, it is the nations’ seventh leading cause of death.
Type II diabetes results when the body does not properly produce and / or does not properly utilize insulin. Think of insulin as the “key” that lets the glucose (blood sugar) into the cells to be used for energy. If the cells become desensitized to insulin OR if the pancreas is not producing enough insulin to “unlock” the cells, blood glucose levels rise. Over time, if this pattern continues, it will have detrimental effects on health.
If you have uncontrolled type II diabetes OR if you have a family history of diabetes and are overweight, NOW is the time to take action. Proper nutrition, weight loss, and physical activity are among the most effective lifestyle changes that make the biggest impact. Even a moderate 5-10% decrease in body weight can improve insulin action, lower fasting glucose levels, and reduce the need for some diabetes medications (Aurora & McFarlane, 2005). Weight loss also greatly reduces the chronic inflammation associated with diabetes that can in turn, decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Success Stories
Are you convinced yet? Hear how two diabetic sufferers dramatically improved their health through weight loss. These are actual Weightloss patients.
“Laura” came into Weightloss earlier this year. She was diagnosed with type II diabetes 3 years ago and also has a family history of heart disease. She began the “Acute DM” program with Weightloss, which is a weight loss program tailored specifically for type II diabetics. Within 2 weeks on the program, Laura had to decrease her oral diabetes medication by half. Within 2 months she was completely off her medication, and ended up losing 50 pounds in 5 months. Since beginning her journey, she began a moderate exercise routine and has maintained her weight loss with physical activity combined with a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean protein sources and low in refined carbohydrates.
“Bob” became a patient of Weightloss one year ago. He was diagnosed with type II diabetes over 16 years ago and was also morbidly obese with a goal to lose over 100 pounds. His diabetes was poorly controlled and he had been diagnosed with hypertension, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol and triglycerides), and severe sleep apnea, requiring use of a CPAP machine. He was on both short and long-acting insulin, an oral diabetes medication, a blood pressure medication, and 2 lipid lowering agents. He began lowering his insulin use within 2 weeks, had decreased his insulin from 420 units to 70 units daily in 3 months (after a 49 pound weight loss), was off of his CPAP machine after 4 months, Today, 70 pounds lighter, Bob is still continuing his journey with Weightloss.
Weightloss Can Help!
Put the odds in YOUR favor! Losing weight can help prevent the onset of diabetes and can reverse the disease process in patients already struggling. Through a medically-supervised program, Weightloss combines FDA-approved appetite suppressants, dietary supplements, vitamin and mineral based injections, and weekly guidance from medical professionals. We can communicate regularly with your physician(s) to keep him or her involved and aware of your progress and to help you reach your goals.
Amy Shideler, MS, RD
